Ethics Online Reading Group
This term Matthew Mason will be leading the group through D. C. Schindler’s book Freedom from Reality. Matthew writes:
“Our contemporary understanding of free will as the power to do whatever we want seems like common sense to many, both inside and outside the church. But although it is hard to escape, this view of human freedom is corrupt and deceptive. In Freedom from Reality, D. C. Schindler offers a sophisticated analysis of where our contemporary understanding of freedom comes from, and why it is misleading. Beginning with John Locke, he shows how this understanding of freedom claims to liberate us. And then he offers a better way of thinking about freedom as conforming ourselves to what is objectively good for us. There is perhaps no more important ethical task today than to get a solid grasp of these different versions of human freedom. Doing so will enable us to grasp more clearly the freedom for which Christ has set us free. And it sheds light on all kinds of practical ethical questions. This term’s Ethics Reading group will equip participants to tackle Schindler’s rewarding but demanding book, and to understand more clearly what true freedom really is.”
The group meets from 2-4pm on 15 September, 13 October, 10 November, and 8 December. You can book here.
Ethics Study Day - Concupiscence
Matthew also continues to teach study days on the doctrine of concupiscence (the 'disordered state of all our appetites', as Bavinck explained it). You can watch a video introduction by clicking one of the links below. The day is booked for:
Norwich (17 Sep)
Leamington Spa (30 Sep)
Leyland (18 Nov)
If you would like to find out more about hosting this study day in your area, please get in touch.
Pastoral Study Day - The Pastor's Character
Our pastoral team continue their series on ‘The Pastor's Progress’ with a study day at the Seminary on the character of the pastor. They write:
“This is of paramount importance and prominence in the New Testament. On October 9th we will explore this vital aspect of the pastor’s maturing and development. Those who preach on the fruit of the Spirit are called to bear that same fruit. Ministry marriages can and should be a setting in which the pastor’s character is shaped, and an important reflection of that character. Please join us if you are able. There will also be an open panel discussion as part of the day. The challenges of our times make this a particularly urgent topic.”
You can book here: The study day will take place at London Seminary on Thursday, 09 October.
Pastoral Study Day - Preaching
Our pastoral team continue their series on ‘The Pastor's Progress’ with a study day on preaching. This day was very well-received in London earlier this year so we are now offering it in Newcastle. John Woods will join the PA pastoral team for lectures and a Q&A session. John has 40 years of pastoral experience and is the author of God is in the House: A Fresh Model for Shaping a Sermon.
The study day will take place in Newcastle on Tuesday, 14 October.
Biblical Hebrew Study Hours
David Green, Lecturer in OT Hebrew at London Seminary will be offering these Hebrew Study Hours online - 7 sessions for the year via Zoom from 9-10 AM (on Tuesdays) with log in and optional chat from 8.45AM.
These study hours are appropriate for those with a good grounding in Biblical Hebrew (even if it’s now ‘rusty’). For example, if you can translate Exodus 20:1-3 at sight, identifying and parsing the verbs, you have a sufficient grounding in biblical Hebrew.
For more information about booking a place, dates, and passages to be covered please click here.
ThM and Study Projects
If you are looking for a way to pursue deeper theological study alongside your ministry, then do consider the ThM we offer with Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. You can find more information and video interviews with current students here. The two courses we are running in London next year are ‘Paul’s Prison Epistles’ with Robbie Booth from Union Theological College in Belfast (6-9 January), and ‘The Representative Kingship of Christ’ with me (23-26 June). If you have questions about the ThM, do get in touch. For more information about joining the programme or auditing a week, click here.
We continue to offer both Preaching Projects and tailor-made Study Projects (details here).
Again, do get in touch if we can help.
Every blessing,
Garry Williams
(Pastors' Academy Director)
